In an era where innovation drives progress, equipping young minds with entrepreneurial skills has never been more critical. CHIREC International School, in collaboration with DLabs from the Indian School of Business (ISB), has relaunched its flagship Student Entrepreneurship Program, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for 20 student teams eager to transform their ideas into reality.
The second edition of this transformative program kicked off with an intensive two-day boot camp on October 9th and 10th, 2025, at ISB’s prestigious campus. Students from CHIREC’s Kondapur and Serilingampally campuses came together for this immersive experience, designed to nurture innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking among high school students.
The boot camp served as more than just an introduction to entrepreneurship. Through expert-led workshops, personalized mentorship sessions, and hands-on activities, students gained invaluable insights into the start-up ecosystem. These young entrepreneurs learned to ideate effectively, collaborate seamlessly, and develop the resilience needed to navigate the challenges of building a venture from the ground up.
Building on Last Year’s Success
The program’s inaugural edition set a high benchmark, with CHIREC students developing 26 purpose-driven start-ups spanning diverse sectors including artificial intelligence, healthcare, clean technology, and education. Working alongside ISB faculty and experienced mentors, these students didn’t just learn theory—they gained practical skills in design thinking, understanding product-market fit, financial planning, and crafting compelling pitches.
The impact of last year’s program resonates through the words of its participants. An enthusiastic participant shares”Presenting our start-up ideas to real investors was an incredible experience. It challenged us to think critically, define our vision clearly and gave us an insight into the type of challenges we would face in the real world of business.”
Another participant reflected on the comprehensive learning experience: “This programme has truly enriched our knowledge and skills. From Design Thinking to Pitch Deck creation, we have learned how to approach business problems strategically, preparing us for future challenges.”
A Commitment to Early-Stage Entrepreneurship
The partnership between CHIREC and ISB represents a shared vision of cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets from an early age. Ms. Saumya Kumar, Director of ISB I-Venture and CEO of DLabs, emphasizes this commitment: “ISB is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship everywhere and at every age. Through initiatives like this, we aim to spark creative thinking and problem-solving among students early on. It’s inspiring to see these young innovators at CHIREC take their first steps toward creating solutions that can make a real difference.”
This year’s cohort brings fresh energy and diverse ideas to the table. According to Ms. Aneesha, Head of Strategic Initiatives at CHIREC International School, “We received an incredible number of start-up ideas ranging from Ed-Tech and Health to Fashion, Sustainability, and beyond! With the expert mentorship and support of ISB I-Venture, we’re excited to see these ideas evolve into impactful ventures from CHIREC.”
More Than Business Skills
What sets this program apart is its holistic approach to entrepreneurship education. Students don’t just learn how to create business plans; they develop critical thinking skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to present their ideas to real-world investors. They learn to identify genuine problems, design innovative solutions, and understand the complexities of bringing a product or service to market.
The program also emphasizes purpose-driven entrepreneurship, encouraging students to create ventures that address meaningful challenges in society. This approach aligns perfectly with CHIREC’s Vision 2.0, which focuses on fostering future-ready learners equipped to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
Looking Ahead
As these 20 teams embark on their entrepreneurial journey, they carry with them not just ideas, but the tools, mentorship, and support system needed to transform those ideas into viable ventures. The program will culminate in a grand finale on November 8th, 2025, where students will showcase their progress and present their refined concepts.
This initiative represents more than just a school program—it’s an investment in the future. By providing young minds with early exposure to entrepreneurship, CHIREC and ISB are nurturing a generation of innovative thinkers, problem-solvers, and change-makers who will shape tomorrow’s business landscape.
For students interested in entrepreneurship, programs like these offer an invaluable opportunity to experience the thrill, challenges, and rewards of building something from scratch—all while still in high school. As these young entrepreneurs continue their journey, one thing is certain: the future of innovation is in capable hands.
